Avon or Metzler?

[Tal]

my front metz (from New) has 9200 kms on it now...wearing one side as is the rear Bridgestone exedra max...aiming at changing both at 10000 or there abouts. I noticed today the rear has a couple of small cross type cracks in the centre of the tread about 3/16 of an inch each way. Havn't seen this before....will monitor as dont want it to go "boom!"

 

[Jallen3.14]

How does the Bridgestone 255 affect speedometer accuracy etc? Is it different enough to make that much of a difference?

I know this is one of those things that I could figure out with math if I hadn't spent so much time telling my math teachers "I'm never going to use this in the real world!".

 

[Chris Kelley]

How does the Bridgestone 255 affect speedometer accuracy etc? Is it different enough to make that much of a difference?

I know this is one of those things that I could figure out with math if I hadn't spent so much time telling my math teachers "I'm never going to use this in the real world!".

Makes the speedo more accurate, more in the 1-2% diff vs the 5% on stock. Not sure about the odometer.

I've been running Michelin Scorcher 2's up front (140) and the Excedra Max in the rear like @sonny . I don't pay too close attention to miles, but i've got somewhere between 3000-4000 and the Scorcher is squaring off pretty bad, but the combo has held up well in all conditions (I ride down to 40F if there's moisture, 30F if it's dry). The improved handling has made me a bit more *cough* spirited *cough* in my commute and I think my more aggressive braking is taking it's toll on the Scorcher.

 

[sonny]

All this time i just figured i was the only one running the Scorcher II. The Excedra Max and the Scorcher wear about the same for me. So tire replacement front and back about 6,000 or so miles. Well worth it.

 

[Chris Kelley]

I needed new shoes shortly after you posted your review of the Scorchers. Since I commute on the bike and deal with rain and cold weather often I was leery of the Avons and your review made the scorchers sound pretty good, so I gave it a shot.

 

[micromike1]

Time for new shoes already. Put 5K on since I got the bike in May.

I've got a thing about wanting front and rear tire to match, and am not going to go darkside, so that leaves me with those options.

I've never had Avons. I've had Metzlers on my 'zuki and wasn't overly impressed, especially for the money. Sure wish Shinko or Kendra made a 240/50 - 16.

Between those two though, what's the general consensus on the forum?

Avons are good when it's nice and warm and dry but not so nice on cold wet UK roads.

 

[Jallen3.14]

Avons are good when it's nice and warm and dry but not so nice on cold wet UK roads.

But... how are they on cold, wet, 'murican roads?! We do ride on the other side, you know.

 

[Tal]

We get a fair bit of rain here on our west coast of the south island making grip a big factor....

 

[phar2slo]

I'm running an Avon Cobra on the rear and boy did I notice the extra lean over I can get with that tire a have about a 6mm chick strips to both sides of the tire what stops me from losing them completely is grinding the foot pegs.

But unfortunately I have had a few times where from a stop in the wet I have had the back end spin and slide step out but just need to control the twist of the wrist.

 

[Jallen3.14]

So... I went with Bridgestone, front and rear. Thanks very much to Idaho Red Rocket 3 for the referral to Rocky Mountain ATV, they had killer prices and free shipping.

I was still thinking about going with Bike Bandit since they offer a 3rd party road hazard warranty. But, they didn't have the Excedra in stock, and it would have been another $100+ for the warranty - not to mention $50 or so higher than RMATV's price, so I gave up my security blanket. I've gone awhile without picking up a nail, but a few years ago I went through 6 tires in 18 months. When I was looking at $385 from the local dealer for a rear tire, I started really looking into a road hazard offer. Interestingly enough, Avon offers a free one directly, good for 1 year from the date of purchase.

Based on those of you that have reported better wear and performance with the Bridgies, and the fairly significantly lower price, I decided to try them.

We'll find out after next week whether you guys are still on my Christmas card list...

Thanks for all the info and recommendations!